Monday, January 11, 2010

Why A1-Law Sucks: Reason #2

A1-Law runs on a server. It requires an attorney to manage technology, hire consultants, worry about backing up data, secondary power supplies, maintenance, databases, networks, routers, IP addresses, Windows Updates, Virus protection, malware patches, spyware protection, and a whole bunch of other jargon that has absolutely noting to do with the practice of law.

Complexity for no reason. Hosted services do all of this at a fraction of the cost. It's the way of the future. Google Apps for mail, calendar, and documents is FREE. Microsoft Office Live, which does the same thing, is almost free. Hosted Exchange, Hosted Case Management, and Hosted Voice Services can all be had for less money than it takes to have an expensive consultant to hang out in your office a couple of hours a month and drink your coffee.

Still think you need a server? If you can make it through this, this, and this without your eyes glazing over, go for it!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Why A1-Law Sucks: Reason #1

It's based on FoxPro. FoxPro is so old, so out of date, and so crappy that Microsoft, who makes money by selling the language, has officially declared FoxPro dead.

In A1's defense, every WC Law package on the market seems to be based on FoxPro, including Abacus, Amicus, and Tritek. But two piles of poo doesn't make the world stink any less.

The one lone standout is MerusCase, which runs on the web.